Kevin Sinfield completes 230-mile run for MND

Rugby star Kevin Sinfield has raised more than £1m after reaching the end of his 230-mile (379 km) run for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

He started the week-long endeavour in Liverpool last Sunday, in memory of his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow, who died with the illness in June.

Sinfield said: “The families we’ve met, the stories we’ve heard – the fight, the inspiration, the willingness to stand together to fight MND – has been wonderful wherever we’ve been.”

Ahead of the last leg, Sir Keir Starmer said in a video message that Sinfield’s efforts were “almost unbelievable in terms of the endurance, the commitment, the dedication” to “such an important cause”.

Starmer added: “By what you’re doing, that vital research can be done so that other people can benefit hugely from what you’re doing.”

The incurable condition affects the brain and nerves and is more common among people in their 60s and 70s.

Dubbed Running Home for Christmas, the Oldham-born star spent the final day running about 31 miles (50 km) from Manchester to his Saddleworth home amid stormy winds and rain.

Sporting legends including Olympic cycling couple Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, plus Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and members of the MND community accompanied Sinfield during sections of the gruelling run.

It was his fifth annual fundraiser for MND charities, prompted by Burrow’s diagnosis in 2019.

They became friends after playing at Leeds Rhinos and Sinfield has raised more than £11m since he started the epic runs in 2020.

Following Burrow’s death at the age of 41, his father urged Sinfield to continue the fundraising efforts to tackle the impact of MND.

Sinfield described the challenges as “just going for a run with some mates for a mate”.

Burrow, who was married with three children, was diagnosed with MND in 2019, after a successful rugby career which included eight Super League Grand Final victories.

He also won 15 England and five Great Britain caps.

In October, Sinfield agreed to remain as assistant coach for the England rugby union squad.